I gave away my first "serious" bike many years ago, and began regretting my doing so a few years later. The say that good things come to those who wait, well I waited 30 years, and with the help of the LBS, internet, Ebay, some elbow grease, and a few dollars to boot, I ended up with a shiny replica of that particular bike.
I too am glad to hear that your old friend when to a good home, and you still have the opportunity of getting it back when your son is done with school.